Proven Health Alternatives

Reversing Alzheimer's - The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition & Protect Brain Health

Fri, 28 Aug 2026

What if nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors years before symptoms appear? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Heather Sandison, a Naturopathic Doctor and Founder of Solcere Health Clinic, to explore the emerging paradigm of Alzheimer's prevention and cognitive recovery, and why brain health may be far more modifiable than we once believed.

Together, we discuss how cognitive decline can begin long before noticeable symptoms, and how lifestyle, nutrition, metabolic health, exercise, gut health, sleep, and mindset can influence the trajectory of brain aging. Dr. Sandison also explores different dietary approaches, including ketogenic and plant-based strategies, and the importance of identifying underlying contributors such as sleep apnea.

The conversation offers a deeper look at the evolving science of Alzheimer's prevention and the potential to intervene earlier, when there may still be an opportunity to change the course of cognitive decline.

Key takeaways:

Alzheimer's is not an inevitable consequence of aging, and nearly half of dementia cases could potentially be prevented through lifestyle and dietary changes.
Optimizing brain health involves a multi-faceted approach that includes diet, exercise, and addressing sleep and gut health components.
Ketosis through a ketogenic diet is emphasized for its potential benefits in switching the brain to a more efficient fuel source and fostering cognitive improvement.
There is a critical importance of oral health and its link to cognitive function; poor oral hygiene can directly contribute to brain health decline.
Proactive and consistent interventions in lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in cognitive function, even for those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's.

More About Dr. Heather Sandison:

Dr. Heather Sandison is the NYT bestselling author of "Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health". She is a renowned naturopathic doctor specializing in neurocognitive medicine and the founder of Solcere Health Clinic, a premier brain optimization clinic based in San Diego, and Marama, a residential program changing memory care to memory recovery. Dr. Sandison is dedicated to supporting those suffering with dementia and is the primary author of peer reviewed research published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. She is shattering common misconceptions about Alzheimer's teaching lifestyle change protocols that keep your brain sharp at any age.

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Below the Surface: What Your Gut Is Trying to Tell You

Fri, 21 Aug 2026

What if the gut microbiome is one of the most important foundations of whole-body health? In this episode, I sit down with Jenny Olson, Clinical Science Lead for Microbiome Labs, to explore the intricate relationship between gut health, the microbiome, and overall wellness.

Together, we discuss how dysbiosis can affect the gut ecosystem, why microbial diversity matters, and how the microbiome communicates with the rest of the body through the gut-brain connection. Jenny also shares insights into the different organisms that make up the microbiome, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and how their genetic and metabolic activity can influence health.

Whether you're a healthcare practitioner, someone struggling with gut health, or simply interested in understanding the microbiome more deeply, this conversation offers valuable insights into why supporting the gut may be one of the most important steps toward long-term health.

Key takeaways:

The Importance of Diversity in Gut Health: A thriving microbiome relies on a diverse array of species. Diversity ensures robust metabolic functions, nutrient synthesis, and optimal immune regulation.
Keystone Species and Their Role: Specific bacteria like Akkermansia and Roseburia serve as keystone species. They significantly impact metabolic byproducts and overall microbial balance, supporting gut and systemic health.
The Impact of Lifestyle Factors: Quality sleep, stress management, and diet-heavy in unprocessed, fiber-rich foods play crucial roles in preventing dysbiosis and maintaining a healthy gut.
Precision Over Randomness in Supplements: The use of targeted probiotics and prebiotics supports the gut's resilience, as demonstrated through products like Megaspore and serum bovine immunoglobulins for specific gut disorders.
Microbiome Challenges and Resilience: Understanding individual microbial resilience informs recovery strategies post-perturbations like antibiotic treatments, emphasizing the need to "test, not guess."

More About Jenny Olson:

Jenny Olson is a nationally board-certified holistic nutritionist who has spent the last 15 years working in the wellness industry as both public health and clinical educator and nutrition therapist. She currently serves as Clinical Science Lead for Microbiome Labs, supporting practitioner education and training. In addition to her work in the industry, Jenny continues her 1:1 nutrition therapy work, with a passion for empowering people with the tools and knowledge for life-long vibrant health.

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This information is presented for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are offered as information only. Microbiome Labs does not endorse or make claims about the sponsors' information, products, processes, and/or practices.

The Missing Microbes: Why Today's Babies Need Yesterday's Microbiome

Fri, 14 Aug 2026

What if the foundation of lifelong health begins in the first days of life? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Culler, Co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences, to explore how an infant's gut microbiome shapes immune development, metabolism, and overall health from birth.

Together, we discuss how modern lifestyles have altered the infant microbiome, the differences between vaginal and cesarean births, the impact of antibiotics during early life, and why beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium play such a critical role in a baby's developing immune system. Dr. Culler also shares emerging research on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), microbiome restoration, precision probiotics, and the exciting future of personalized nutrition for infants.

Whether you're an expecting parent, a healthcare practitioner, or simply interested in the science of the microbiome, this conversation offers valuable insights into how nurturing gut health from the very beginning may help shape lifelong wellness.

Key takeaways:

The first thousand days of life are crucial for immune system development, significantly influenced by gut microbiome composition.
Modern life factors, such as C-section births and antibiotics, have led to a loss of beneficial ancestral microbiota in infants.
The My Baby Biome Study revealed 90% of U.S. infants lack some essential Bifidobacterium strains necessary for healthy immune function.
Personalized nutrition and the use of synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—are pivotal steps toward restoring infantile microbiomes.
Early interventions in gut health can profoundly affect outcomes related to allergies, autoimmune diseases, and even neurological development.

More About Dr. Stephanie Culler:

Stephanie Culler, Ph.D., is the co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences, where she is pioneering microbiome-based medicines to transform human health. She is the lead author of the My Baby Biome study, the largest U.S. study to profile the infant gut microbiome, and her work spans applications from infant health to oncology. Stephanie earned her Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and has authored more than 20 scientific publications and patents.

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A New Framework for Cardiovascular Disease: The Integrative HEART Framework

Fri, 07 Aug 2026

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet many cardiovascular events occur in people whose cholesterol levels and routine cardiac tests appear completely normal. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, an interventional cardiologist and founder of the Integrative Heart Institute, to explore why preventing heart disease requires looking far beyond traditional risk factors.

Together, we discuss the Integrative HEART Framework, a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular prevention that considers inflammation, metabolic health, mitochondrial function, hormones, nervous system regulation, sleep, environmental toxins, and advanced diagnostics. Dr. Bhojraj also explains how wearable technology, precision imaging, genomics, and lifestyle medicine are transforming the future of heart care by identifying risk years before symptoms develop.

If you're looking to better understand your cardiovascular health, prevent disease before it starts, and discover how integrative medicine is reshaping heart care, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key takeaways:

Cardiovascular health requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure; lifestyle, metabolic health, and stress play crucial roles.
Integrative Heart Framework (HEART): Hormone optimization, Energy regulation, Autonomic nervous system healing, Rest and recovery, and Toxin reduction.
Hormones and metabolism significantly affect heart health, and therapies like testosterone replacement can be beneficial.
New diagnostic methods such as coronary CT angiograms are pivotal for assessing soft plaque and preventing heart attacks.
Simple lifestyle changes often outperform complex medical interventions in maintaining long-term heart health.

More About Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj:

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, MD, IFMCP is an interventional cardiologist and leader in precision, functional, and integrative cardiovascular medicine. After nearly two decades performing life-saving cardiac procedures—including coronary stents, structural heart interventions, and emergency heart attack care—he began asking a different question: Why are so many people developing heart disease in the first place?

Today, Dr. Bhojraj is the founder of the Integrative Heart Institute, where he combines the best of conventional cardiology with functional medicine, genomics, advanced imaging, lifestyle medicine, and emerging longevity science to identify and address the root causes of cardiovascular disease before catastrophic events occur.

He is a Certified Practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), serves as faculty for both IFM and the Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), and completed his cardiology and interventional cardiology training at Henry Ford Hospital after graduating from Indiana University School of Medicine.

Dr. Bhojraj developed the Integrative HEART Framework—a comprehensive model that expands cardiovascular risk assessment beyond cholesterol and blood pressure to include hormones, mitochondrial health, autonomic function, recovery and sleep, environmental toxins, inflammation, metabolism, and precision diagnostics. His mission is to help patients build resilient cardiovascular health rather than simply manage disease after it appears.

He is also host of The Curious Cardiologist podcast, where he interviews leading experts at the intersection of cardiology, functional medicine, longevity, and human performance.

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Indoor Air: Health's Missing Link

Fri, 31 Jul 2026

What if one of the biggest threats to your health isn't on your plate, but in the air you breathe? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Rubino, environmental wellness advocate and founder of HomeCleanse, to explore why indoor air quality may be one of the most overlooked factors influencing chronic illness, inflammation, and long-term health.

Together, we discuss how modern homes can trap mold, mycotoxins, allergens, and other microscopic particles that impact the body's ability to function optimally. Michael explains why "clean breathing" should be considered just as important as clean eating, shares how dust testing can provide a clearer picture of long-term environmental exposure, and offers practical strategies for creating a healthier indoor environment.

If you've ever wondered how your home environment influences your health, why mold exposure is often missed, or how cleaner indoor air can support long-term wellness, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key takeaways:

Importance of Indoor Air Quality: The air quality inside our homes greatly affects our health, often more than diet or exercise.
Dust vs. Air Testing: Dust tests give a better picture of long-term exposure to mold and pollutants compared to momentary air tests.
Clean Breathing Concept: Prioritizing clean air is essential, given that we breathe thousands of liters daily, which can impact our cognitive and physical health.
Innovations in Monitoring: Devices like Home Cleanse Guardian provide continuous air quality monitoring, helping to maintain healthy indoor environments.
Health Risks of Mold: Failure to address mold can lead to various health issues including brain fog, chronic fatigue, and possibly contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

More About Michael Rubino:

Michael Rubino is an air quality expert, environmental wellness advocate, founder, speaker, podcaster, author, father and husband. On a mission to bridge the gap between our homes and our health, Michael put his background in construction and remediation to good use and founded All American Restoration in 2017 which ultimately became HomeCleanse, a revolutionary company with the vision to end the worldwide health epidemic caused by poor air quality and toxic indoor environments (Gwyneth Paltrow and Deepak Chopra are on the advisory board). HomeCleanse has become America's go-to source for information, services and products to create healthier living through cleaner indoor air. He's also the co-founder and Chair of Change the Air Foundation, a nonprofit organization giving every person the knowledge, resources, and support to achieve better health by breathing safe indoor air, through education, impacting public policy and funding research.

A specialist in working with people who are immunocompromised or have acute and sustained reactions to mold exposure, Michael's scientific understanding has enabled him to create change, via alternative remediation protocols and treatments that provide solutions that lead to a healthy home long into the future. All through using his proprietary tried and tested "HomeCleanse" method. In his decade-long career at the top of his game, he's helped thousands of families each year to identify, eradicate and detoxify their homes. Potentially saving hundreds of lives in the process. So successful are Michael's methods that he's the trusted advisor to multiple Hollywood A-list celebrities, athletes, doctors, Fortune 100 CEOs and medical experts across the country.

He's an accomplished podcaster with his show Never Been Sicker, educating and entertaining thousands of monthly listeners, where he hosts guests including celebrities, CEOs, doctors, entrepreneurs and mold survivors. As a result, Michael has become one of the most in-demand subject matter experts and keynote speakers, appearing on countless television, radio, newspaper, magazine and podcast interviews around the world.

Through HomeCleanse and Change the Air Foundation, Michael is concentrated on ensuring people are healthier through improving air quality.

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